Victorian Hand-Painted Wooden Tea Caddy With Gilt Fruit Decoration, Circa 1850

Details

Description

A richly detailed mid-19th century English tea caddy, crafted in painted and japanned wood and decorated in the Regency Revival … Read more A richly detailed mid-19th century English tea caddy, crafted in painted and japanned wood and decorated in the Regency Revival style. The exterior features a lustrous black lacquered ground adorned with hand-painted fruit clusters, scrolling gilt flourishes, and a neoclassical central escutcheon. Raised on four claw feet and topped with an ornate cast-style handle, the caddy blends functionality with high decorative impact.

The interior reveals three original lidded compartments, each finished in black lacquer and one accented with a hand-painted strawberry motif. A bold crimson painted surround frames the compartments, offering a striking contrast to the caddy’s dark exterior. The lid’s interior retains its original exposed wood panel and brass hardware.

Likely dating to circa 1840–1860, this piece reflects the Victorian-era fascination with japanning, lacquer, and richly ornamented domestic objects. While stylistically reminiscent of toleware and papier-mâché examples from the same period, this caddy is constructed in wood, offering greater durability and warmth of character.

A superb accent for a traditional study, library, or collector’s cabinet, and a standout gift for aficionados of antique tea culture or English decorative arts.

Origin: England, circa 1850
Materials: Painted and japanned wood, gilt decoration, brass fittings See less